Could the arrival of Jorge Sampaoli revolutionize Stade Rennais? Football Club offers first insights by describing the framework of the Argentine coach’s methodology. Focus.No Fixed Tactical Pattern
Let’s cut to the chase: those expecting an attacking style of play at Stade Rennais with Jorge Sampaoli on the bench might be disappointed. “In Marseille, it took him a while to understand Ligue 1 and its transitional football,” analyzed an OM insider for Ouest-France. At the start, it was fire and flames, in a deliberately destabilized configuration. Then he changed his plans, opting for a more controlled approach… It wasn’t always pretty, but it paid off. In Rennes, he will be pragmatic with the squad he has, and he will obtain results, even if it will take a little time.
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Sampaoli’s philosophy is based on several pillars: intensity, adaptable tactical systems, not fixed on a preferred 3-5-2, with several players deployed in hybrid or innovative roles and coordinated movements. In practice, OM supporters frequently witnessed true mastery of the ball with a possession-based game that could seem sterile despite occasional strong moments. The Argentinian places an essential value on controlling the midfield, and he attaches great importance to the footballing intelligence of his players and their mutual understanding.
In this sense, ball releases must be choreographed to perfection. The real question is whether Sampaoli has the right profiles for the Rennes squad to adapt to his playing principles. “I’m waiting to see,” explained Rolland Courbis. “I see two or three players who could be interesting, but the rest seem really average. In fact, I see a lack of complementarity among them.
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Future Blocked for Mandanda and Young Players?
Although Jorge Sampaoli made it clear from the start that he intended to use Steve Mandanda as goalkeeper to “get the club out of this delicate situation,” his choice will have to be evaluated in the long term, especially since he was the one who facilitated the departure of Mandanda from OM in favor of Pau Lopez because of his playing technique. Courbis is also curious to see how this evolves… If the Argentine coach relies on players with adaptable and versatile profiles, it should implement gradual changes rather than seeking to disrupt everything at once.
For his first training session at Piverdière, Sampaoli included 11 outfield players from the professional squad (Matusiwa, Santamaria, Jota, Blas, Hateboer, Nagida, Truffert, Assignon, Meister, Faye, and Ahamada, plus goalkeepers Gauthier Gallon and Mathis Silistrie). This group was joined by three players from the reserve team (Cissé, Maboulou, Henrick, and Do Marcolino). The Argentinian did not hesitate to integrate young players from the start, because the current international break is more favorable for promoting young Breton talent. “For me, Sampaoli in Rennes is a good idea in the short term, because he is not a coach known for building, but he can bring new momentum and be interesting to find a style and feeling. However, we can question the overall long-term project and the role of youth development,” warns Frédéric Piquionne in L’Équipe.
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Recruitment Needs Already Identified Before the Market
The topic of recruitment quickly emerged during Sampaoli’s introductory press conference on Tuesday. The former OM coach did not evade: “Yes, we discussed at length with management the current and future needs to change the narrative and have a more ambitious team in the winter transfer market.” “If there is a need to act in the transfer market, the owner (the Pinault family) supports the club, the coach and the management to ensure rapid progress and improvement,” added Frédéric Massara. Stade Rennais faces a real challenge in terms of defensive solidity and experience in central defense, as well as creativity in midfield, requiring potential fixes. “There is enough money in Rennes to recruit two or three important players during the winter transfer window. At that time, we will know more,” concludes our privileged contact Courbis. Visionary?
Bastien AUBERT
